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Window swags quickly dress up an unadorned window or boring window treatment and they are a suitable project for those that are novices at sewing. Swags, or window scarves, don't provide privacy or block sunlight, but they do take the place of valances for hiding curtain rods or mini-blind mounting hardware. You can drape a swag over the ends of an existing curtain rod, but decorative swag knobs work better if you are trying to camouflage unattractive mounting hardware. These knobs resemble cabinet pulls, and they screw into the wall at the top corners of the window.

1

Measure the width of the window between the ends of the curtain rod or swag knobs. Measure the side of the window from the swag knob to the location where you want the bottom of the swag to reach. Add 10 inches onto this measurement and double it. Add the doubled measurement to the width measurement to determine the total length of your swag. Repeat the measurements for each window.

2

Cut a piece of fabric 24 inches wide and to the length you measured. If you prefer a wider swag, you can increase the width of the fabric.

3

Lay the fabric right-side down on your work surface. Fold 1/4 inch of the narrow ends of fabric over onto the wrong side of the fabric. Fold them over a second time so the raw fabric edge is hidden inside the fold. Pin the fold in place.

4

Sew a straight stitch along the fold to secure it in place. Begin the stitch on the machine by backstitching 1 inch then continuing forward until you reach the corner. Backstitch 1 inch at the end of the straight stitch so the thread is secured and doesn't pull out. Trim away all loose threads.

5

Fold the long edges of the fabric in 1/4 inch, then fold in a second time, just as you did with the narrow ends. Pin the folds in place, and straight stitch them on your machine to secure the folds. Trim the loose threads.

6

Drape the swag over the swag knobs or the ends of the curtain rod. Adjust the swag so an equal length hangs down either side of the window and so the center of the swag drapes as desired.

Things You Will Need

Measuring tape

Scissors

Lightweight fabric

Pins

Sewing machine

Thread

Tips

Use a contrasting color of thread to add a decorative element to the finishing on the swag.

If you want to knot the swag decoratively around the knobs, add an additional 16 inches to the swag length.

About the Author

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.